Beverage bottle cooling method and apparatus with assembly for holding ice and water

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a beverage bottle cooling apparatus and method comprising a container for containing ice that is adapted to have a commercial beverage bottle positioned substantially therein, wherein regular ice cubes can be stored and sealed within the space between the bottle and container. The space is preferably substantially sealed by a cap which is adapted with an opening and sealing member that extends over the neck of the bottle, wherein the bottle can be held in a predetermined location by one or more supports extended within the container. The container, including the supports, is preferably molded and formed with substantially uniform wall thickness, and adapted to fit in conventional cup-holders.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/382,526, filed on Mar. 7, 2003, which claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/298,613, filed on Nov. 19, 2002, which claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/066,656, filed on Feb. 6, 2002, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,621 on Jul. 8, 2003, which claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/983,107, filed on Oct. 23, 2001, now abandoned. This application also claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/528,921, filed on Dec. 11, 2003. Each of the above applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of beverage coolers, and in particular, to a beverage cooling method and apparatus with an assembly for holding ice and water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Commercial beverages, such as soda, juice, fruit drinks, sports drinks, water, etc., are often sold in bottles made of PET. A typical beverage aisle of a grocery store or refrigerator of a convenience store is often full of a wide variety of bottled beverage products that come in all shapes and sizes. While most aluminum cans are sold in 12 ounce sizes, most PET bottles are sold in larger sizes, ranging from ½ liter to 3 liters, including the popular 20 ounce, 64 ounce and 2 liter sizes.

The development of larger PET bottle sizes has meant that the consumer receives more beverage per container. But with more beverage in each container, additional cooling is needed to keep the beverage cool, i.e., for a longer period of time. For example, when there is 20 ounces in a bottle, it will take longer to finish the beverage, or more beverage will be left over. In either case, when the weather is warm, or on a hot sunny day, exposure to high temperatures can result in the beverage becoming warmer quickly, without any means of keeping the beverage cold. Two liter and other larger sizes are susceptible to the same results, such as during an outdoor picnic, or other function, where no refrigerator is available to keep the beverage cold.

In the past, resort has been made to using ice chests, but there are disadvantages to doing so. For example, because PET bottles are often large, larger ice chests are typically needed, in which case they can be cumbersome to use. Moreover, it is burdensome to use an ice chest if only a single serving bottle needs to be kept cold. Also, when two liter or other larger bottle sizes are involved, it is often impractical to keep them in ice chests while the beverage is being served.

Many individuals choose to pour beverages into other containers, such as cups, mugs, sports bottles, thermal jugs and bottles, etc., with ice directly in the beverage to keep it cold. The disadvantage of this, however, is that as ice melts, the beverage can become diluted. Also, because ice is often made with unfiltered tap water, impurities can be introduced into the beverage. Carbonation can also dissipate quickly. The containers also have to be washed after each use.

Archaic attempts have been made in the past, such as in the days when refrigerators were not available. For example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 81,814; 592,781 and 303,815, wine bottle coolers, such as with diaphragms and springs to hold bottles in place are shown, but these designs were not compact, not easy to manufacture, nor suitable for bottles with twist off lids, since the bottles were free to rotate. In later years, as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,998,072, 4,281,520, 5,555,746 and 5,904,267, containers with various compartments, sleeves and packs filled with refrigerants were developed, but these required the refrigerant to be frozen and refrozen after each use, and therefore, were not convenient to use. Various types of insulated containers were also developed, which helped to maintain the temperature of the beverage, with no ability to make the beverage any colder.

What is needed, therefore, is a new and improved apparatus and method for keeping beverages cold, which overcomes the disadvantages of previous cooling apparatuses and methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for cooling beverages in bottles and/or keeping beverage bottles cold. The present invention generally comprises a cooler for containing ice and water adapted to have the beverage bottle positioned therein, wherein regular ice cubes, such as from a conventional dispenser, can be stored and sealed within the space between the cooler and bottle, to keep the beverage in the bottle cool.

The cooler is preferably adapted to securely hold a particular beverage bottle, such as a PET bottle having a certain size and shape. The cooler is preferably sized and shaped so that a particular bottle can be held inside, with a sealed compartment surrounding the bottle, wherein regular ice cubes can be stored and sealed within the compartment to substantially surround the bottle. This way, ice can be maintained in direct contact with the bottle, and the beverage can be maintained at a reduced temperature, without diluting or introducing contaminants into the beverage. The beverage can also easily be poured, served and consumed without having to take the bottle out of the ice.

The cooler is preferably comprised of two sections that can be tightened and sealed together, i.e., an upper cap and a lower container. In the preferred embodiment, the container is preferably configured much like a mug with a handle, and adapted so that the bottle can be supported in a substantially fixed location inside the container, with the neck of the bottle extending from the top of the container. The cap is adapted to fit on top of the container, but unlike previous caps, this cap has an opening through which the neck of the bottle can be extended. The cap also preferably has a sealing member on the inside thereof, adapted so that when the bottle is placed in the container, and the neck is extended through the opening, the cap can be tightened onto the container, with the sealing member pressed against the shoulder of the bottle, which helps to seal the space between the cooler and bottle.

The sealing member is preferably located on the inside of the cap and extended around the opening so that it can be pressed against the shoulder of the bottle. It is preferably made of a resilient material that can apply pressure against the bottle to create a waterproof seal. In one embodiment, the sealing member is permanently bonded or fused to the cap using a direct molding method.

The container preferably has one or more supports on the inside thereof to provide vertical and lateral support for the bottle. This way, when the cap is tightened onto the container, the bottle is held in a substantially fixed location, which, in the preferred embodiment, is between the sealing member and support.

In one embodiment, three or more supports are provided and extended inward as indentations on the inside of the container to provide a support system for self-centering the bottle and maintaining the bottle in a substantially fixed location in the container. In one aspect, at least one support is adapted to fit within a groove or indentation located on the bottom of the bottle, to prevent the bottle from rotating inside the container.

The container, including the support(s), is preferably integrally formed with substantially uniform wall thickness, which can be made by conventional molding methods. One preferred goal of the present invention is to substantially minimize the surface area contact between the container and bottle, on one hand, and substantially maximize the surface area contact between the ice and bottle, on the other hand, and the above construction preferably helps to accomplish this goal.

The present invention contemplates that the bottom section of the container can be made relatively narrow, so that it can fit in conventional cup-holders, such as found in cars, golf carts, chairs, etc. This bottom section creates additional space in which ice particles can be stored, such as underneath the bottle, in direct contact with the bottle. The supports are preferably extended inward as indentations on the wall of the container, so that the bottle can be elevated above the floor, enabling the bottom section to be narrow enough to fit cup-holders designed to hold the bottle. The area of the container just above the bottom section is preferably sloped, which helps displace ice upward as the bottle is inserted into the container.

The cap and container are preferably threaded and capable of being tightened and sealed together. They are preferably adapted so that the cap can be sealed onto the container at the same time that the sealing member is sealed onto the bottle, i.e., the container is adapted so that the cap and container, and cap and bottle, are sealed at the same time, i.e., with the cap in the same position relative to the container.

Another aspect of the present invention is that the cooler can be specifically made to accommodate a certain type of beverage bottle, while not accommodating other beverage bottles, such as those having different sizes and shapes. PET bottles often come in a variety of different sizes and shapes, even with bottles having the same volume. Nevertheless, another aspect of the present invention is that a single cooler can be designed to fit more than one bottle type, such as bottles with slightly different sizes and shapes, which can be accomplished by locating and configuring the sealing member in a manner that achieves a watertight seal, despite differences in size and shape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a section view of the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a section view of the first embodiment showing a PET bottle inside;

FIG. 4 shows the bottom of a typical PET bottle with five grooves;

FIG. 5 is a section view of the cap of the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a horizontal section view of a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 shows section A-A from FIG. 6 of the second embodiment;

FIG. 8 shows section B-B from FIG. 6 of the second embodiment;

FIG. 9 shows ice being displaced by the bottle inside the container;

FIG. 10 is a side view of a third embodiment with the cap on;

FIG. 11 is a section view of the third embodiment container showing a bottle inside;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the third embodiment container from opposite the handle;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the third embodiment container from the handle side;

FIG. 14 a is a horizontal section view of the third embodiment taken along section E-E shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 14 b is a horizontal section view of the third embodiment taken along section F-F shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 15 is a schematic of the third embodiment showing the locations of horizontal sections E-E and F-F;

FIG. 16 is a section view of the third embodiment container with a bottle inside taken along section C-C shown in FIGS. 14 a and 14 b;

FIG. 17 is a section view of the third embodiment taken along section D-D shown in FIG. 14 a;

FIG. 18 is a section view of the cap of the third embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a perspective section view of the cap of the third embodiment without the sealing member; and

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the resilient member of the third embodiment by itself separated from the cap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Several embodiments of the invention are described and shown.

FIGS. 1-3 show a first embodiment of the present invention 1 having a container 5 and cap 3 designed to be connected and sealed together. As seen in FIGS. 2-3, container 5 is preferably an open-top container having a handle 7 and an internal space 9 formed by a wall 12, much like a large mug, wherein an opening on the top 11 enables a bottle 13, such as a commercial PET bottle, to be inserted therein. Container 5 preferably has extended on the inside thereof a plurality of supports 4, 6, such as extending inward from wall 12, which are adapted to provide lateral and vertical support to bottle 13. This way, bottle 13 can be inserted into container 5, and supported by supports 4, 6, in a substantially fixed location, wherein spaces 15, 17, shown in FIG. 3, can be formed between bottle 13 and wall 12 of container 5 for storing ice and water therein.

All or a portion of wall 12 can be cylindrical or any shape that allows spaces 15 and 17 of sufficient sizes to be formed. Preferably, the distance between wall 12 and bottle 13 allows conventional size ice particles to be distributed and stored therein. Ice particles from standard ice dispensers are typically less than about one inch thick, and therefore, it is contemplated that the distance between bottle 13 and wall 12, as shown in FIG. 3, can be about one inch, although virtually any dimension or distance that serves the intended purposes can be used. While it is desirable to provide sufficient spaces 15 and 17 for storing the ice, it is also desirable for container 5 to be compact, and therefore, the present invention contemplates that these factors should be taken into consideration when forming container 5 based on bottle 13.

Container 5 preferably has a lower section 2 that is narrowed, such as below supports 4, 6, such that it can fit into conventional cup-holders, i.e., that are designed to hold bottle 13. Space 17 is preferably formed inside lower section 2, below bottle 13, to allow additional ice to be stored in container 5, i.e., in contact with a lower end 49 of bottle 13.

As shown in FIG. 9, located immediately above lower section 2, there is preferably a surface or section 52 that is sloped or angled upward and outward. This configuration preferably helps distribute and displace ice in container 5 upward as bottle 13 is inserted down into container 5. That is, after ice is added into container 5, some of the ice particles can interfere with the insertion of bottle 13, by becoming trapped inside lower section 2, which can prevent bottle 13 from being inserted all the way down onto supports 4, 6. Preferably, the distance between sloped section 52 and the lower surface of bottle 13 is predetermined to help ensure that ice particles can be distributed and/or displaced up, away from lower section 2, as shown in FIG. 9, when bottle 13 is inserted into container 5. In addition, or alternatively, water can be added into container 5, or the cooler can be held sideways, to help distribute and displace ice away from lower section 2, and avoid trapping too much ice under bottle 13, and allow bottle 13 to be properly positioned on supports 4, 6.

Various supports for supporting bottle 13 in relation to container 5 are contemplated. Supports 4, 6 preferably keep bottle 13 in a relatively fixed position inside container 5, so that when cap 3 and container 5 are tightened together, bottle 13 is held in a substantially fixed location, such as between sealing member 25 and supports 4, 6, i.e., with sealing member 25 pressed tightly against bottle 13, to form a substantial water-tight seal.

Cap 3 and container 5 are preferably adapted and designed to hold a particular bottle 13, which requires the shapes, sizes and locations of both supports 4, 6 and sealing member 25, and the distance between them, to be coordinated and determined. With bottle 13 held in this manner, cap 3 and container 5 are preferably sealed together at the same time sealing member 25 is sealed against bottle 13, to enable spaces 15 and 17 to be substantially sealed thereby.

At least three supports 4, 6 are preferably provided to create a support system to hold the lower end of bottle 13 inside container 5, wherein each support is preferably adapted to engage a particular surface of bottle 13. For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, four supports are shown, —three supports 4 for engaging the lower exterior surface 49 of bottle 13, and one slightly raised support 6 for engaging one of the five grooves 45 located on the underside of bottle 13.

As shown in FIG. 4, the bottom 49 of a typical PET bottle 13 has multiple grooves 45, i.e., most have 5 grooves, to provide rigidity and support thereto. By forming at least one of the supports 6 to fit inside one of the grooves 45, bottle 13 can be substantially prevented from rotating inside container 5. That is, by holding bottle 13 between sealing member 25 and supports 4, 6, raised support 6, which fits into one of the grooves 45, can help prevent bottle 13 from rotating inside container 5. This way, the twist-off lid 47 of bottle 13 can easily be opened and closed, without bottle 13 spinning inside container 5. The embodiment shown has one raised support 6, but more of the supports, including all of them, can be adapted to fit into grooves 45.

Cap 3 will now be discussed. Cap 3 preferably has a central opening 19, as shown in FIG. 5, through which neck 21 of bottle 13 can extend. Cap 3 preferably has at least one sealing member 25, such as a resilient sealing ring 23, extended on the inside and substantially around opening 19. When cap 3 is secured to container 5, with neck 21 extended through opening 19, sealing member 25 is preferably adapted to be pressed and sealed against the shoulder of bottle 13, to substantially seal bottle 13 inside container 5.

Sealing member 25 preferably has an engaging surface, which can have virtually any cross-sectional configuration, i.e., that performs in the intended manner. For example, it can have ribs, blades, or semi-circular cross-section, as shown in FIG. 5, which can help promote water-tightness, even against unevenly shaped bottles. In this embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, sealing member 25 is preferably formed with an extended flange 27, that fits above an upper edge 29 of cap 3, so that it can be snapped into opening 19 and held therein. A raised projection 31 is preferably provided on cap 3 that mates with groove 33, that helps support sealing member 25, and that provides a pinching effect thereto.

Sealing member 25 can be made of resilient material, such as rubber, silicon, polypropylene, urethane, polyethylene, or like material, etc. The preferred material is Santoprene® or Neo-prene®.

The present invention contemplates that sealing member 25 can be configured and/or made thick enough, so that a degree of tolerance can be provided at the point where sealing member 25 engages bottle 13. That is, even if bottle 13 is not made to exact dimensions, it is nevertheless contemplated that enough sealing capability can be applied via sealing member 25, i.e., by virtue of its resiliency, thickness and configuration, against bottle 13 to prevent leaking. Although one type of sealing member 25 is shown, it can be seen that a variety of different types of sealing members, including those shown in FIGS. 18-20, are possible.

Cap 3 and container 5 are preferably threaded to enable them to be tightened and sealed together. For example, cap 3 preferably has threads 35 extending along the inside for engaging threads 37 extending along the outside of container 5. Cap 3 is preferably adapted to be sealed against an upper edge or landing 43 of container 5. For example, an interference fit can be created between upper edge 43 and groove 41 formed by extension 39 on cap 3. Groove 41 can be adapted to enable a seal to be made even if upper edge 43 is not fitted all the way into groove 41. Alternatively, a separate gasket, as will be discussed, can be provided to seal cap 3 onto container 5.

FIGS. 6-9 show an additional embodiment that can be manufactured by a conventional molding method, such as blow molding, at a relatively low cost. This embodiment comprises a container 55, preferably molded from a single integral piece of moldable material, having substantially uniform wall thickness, including wall 61, and supports 57 and 59. Container 55 preferably has a handle 65, threads 67, wall 61, an opening 71, a narrow upper section with threads 67, an intermediate section, a narrow lower section 63, etc., wherein a similar cap 3 can be used to hold bottle 13.

Supports 57, 59 on container 55, which are adapted to provide vertical and lateral support to bottle 13, are preferably formed as indentations on wall 61, i.e., above the floor, although not necessarily so. The wall thickness at supports 57, 59 preferably ensures that bottle 13 is supported at the appropriate height, i.e., relative to cap 3 and container 55. By looking at FIG. 7, it can be seen that a thicker wall 61 at support 59 will result in raising bottle 13 higher relative to container 55, while a thinner wall 61 at support 59 will result in lowering bottle 13 relative to container 55.

Three supports, including one support 57 and two supports 59, are preferably provided, wherein supports 59 are adapted to fit into two of the five grooves 45 located on the bottom of bottle 13. Supports 59, as shown in FIG. 6, are preferably positioned on opposing sides, and adapted so that they fit into two opposing grooves 45. Supports 59 are specifically adapted to fit into grooves 45, as shown in FIG. 7, such that when bottle 13 is inserted into container 55, bottle 13 is prevented from rotating. Support 57, as shown in FIG. 8, is preferably adapted to engage an exterior surface of the bottom 49 of bottle 13, wherein support 57 is preferably shelf-like in configuration.

Based on the above, supports 57 and 59 (two) preferably form a triangulated support system for supporting bottle 13 in the predetermined location. Supports 57 and 59 are preferably provided with sloped surfaces capable of engaging bottle 13 to help to self-center bottle 13 and align bottle 13 in an upright position.

The triangulated support system preferably accommodates supports 57, 59 being symmetrically oriented relative to a parting line, shown as B-B in FIG. 6, which is advantageous from a molding standpoint. Supports 59 are preferably on opposing sides of parting line B-B, while support 57 preferably extends through the parting line and perpendicularly thereto. This preferably enables the mold halves that are used to make container 55 to be easily separated, which makes releasing container 55 from the mold easier. An appropriate draft can be provided on supports 57 and 59 (draft not shown on support 57), which enables the mold halves to be released with little or no friction. Handle 65 can be molded along parting line B-B, wherein support 57 can be formed underneath handle 65, as shown in FIG. 8.

The third embodiment 100, shown in FIGS. 10-20, comprises a container 102 and a separate cap 130. This embodiment comprises an alternate configuration, similar to the previous embodiments, but represents the best mode. The design shown is intended to fit a single serving PET bottle 120, such as a 20 ounce bottle, although the design can be adapted to fit virtually any size or shape of PET bottle.

Container 102 is preferably in the shape of a mug, with a mug-like handle 106 extended on one side. It preferably comprises a wall 110 that forms an interior space 111 around bottle 120, and space 113 below bottle 120, with an opening 112 at the top for inserting the ice and bottle 120 inside. An upper section 114 is preferably narrowed to enable a relatively small cap 130 to be used, and has exterior threads 108. An intermediate section 115 preferably extends substantially around the mid-section of container 102, is preferably larger in diameter than upper section 114, and preferably holds most of the ice around bottle 120. A lower section 116 is preferably narrowed to fit standard cup-holders as shown. A sloped section 109 is preferably extended between intermediate section 115 and lower sections 116.

Like container 55, this container 102 is preferably adapted to be molded at relatively low costs. Container 102 is preferably adapted to be molded from an integral piece of moldable material, such as plastic, having substantially uniform wall thickness, and is preferably produced by blow molding.

Supports 122, 124, 126 are preferably molded as indentations on wall 110, as shown in FIGS. 10-17, to provide support for bottle 120. Two of the supports 122, 124, are preferably positioned and oriented as shown in FIGS. 14 a and 14 b, and adapted so that they fit into two of the five grooves 45 on the bottom of bottle 120, as discussed previously, to prevent bottle 120 from rotating. The third support 126 is preferably extended below handle 106, and is preferably shelf-like in configuration, to provide support for a lower exterior surface of bottle 120.

All three supports 122, 124, 126 preferably form a triangular support system, to self-center bottle 120 and maintain it in a substantially fixed and upright position inside container 102. The drawings shown in FIGS. 10-17 reflect a preferred configuration for container 102, taking into account several factors. For example, supports 122, 124 are not only adapted to fit grooves 45 located on bottle 120, but also have, in plan view, a substantially triangular configuration, as shown in FIGS. 14 a and 14 b. This configuration is the preferred shape for fitting the distal tips of supports 122, 124 into grooves 45 on bottle 120. This helps support bottle 120 properly, and prevents bottle 120 from rotating, and also helps to pin-point the location of bottle 120 in a substantially fixed and consistent location inside container 102. An upper sloped or angled surface 127 on supports 122, 124 for engaging bottle 120 can be provided to help self-center bottle 120, and align bottle 120 in an upright position. Support 126, which forms the third prong in the triangulated support system, can also be sloped, as shown. The aesthetics of supports 122, 124 have also been taken into account.

Supports 122, 124 are preferably symmetrically oriented on opposing sides relative to a parting line D-D, which is a central vertical plane, shown in FIG. 14 a, while support 126 preferably extends through the parting line. Supports 122, 124, 126, preferably have predetermined angles and/or drafts to allow the mold halves to be easily separated after container 102 is formed. In this respect, walls a and b, shown in FIGS. 14 a and 14 b, on opposing sides of supports 122, 124, are preferably angled with a draft relative to plane D-D, to allow the mold halves to be separated in a direction perpendicular to plane D-D. Likewise, support 126 is preferably extended and oriented substantially perpendicular to plane D-D, and preferably has a draft. This configuration enables the mold halves that are used to make container 102 to be easily separated, i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the parting plane D-D, which makes releasing container 102 after molding easier. At the same time, supports 122, 124, 126 are preferably oriented so that they line up with grooves 45 of bottle 120, as shown previously in FIG. 6. While other orientations and positions are contemplated, this has been found to be a preferred way to obtain the advantages discussed above.

To keep production costs low, it is desirable to keep the wall thickness of container 102 as thin as possible, but also rigid enough to ensure that bottle 120 can be supported in the predetermined location. The thickness of wall 110 at supports 122, 124, 126, and the configuration and location thereof, must carefully be determined so that the height of bottle 120 in container 102 relative to cap 130 and sealing member 134, is at a substantially predetermined height sufficient to achieve a watertight seal between sealing member 134 and bottle 120.

The design of container 102 should take into consideration the factors discussed above in connection with determining how large or compact container 102 should be, in view of the size and shape of bottle 120. For example, wall 110 of container 102 is preferably adapted to form appropriate spaces 111 and 113, between bottle 120 and wall 110, as well as under bottle 120, to enable a sufficient amount of ice to be stored therein. Sloped or angled section 109 is preferably provided at a predetermined distance from the lower surface of bottle 120, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 17, to allow ice to be distributed and displaced, as previously shown in FIG. 9, and help prevent too much ice from being trapped inside lower section 116. This way, bottle 120 is not prevented from being inserted down onto supports 122, 124, 126.

An indicator line 103, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 13, as well as line 51 shown in FIG. 2, is preferably provided to indicate how much ice should be placed in container 102 before bottle 120 is inserted. In this embodiment, neck 114 on container 102 is relatively narrow, so once bottle 120 is inserted, not enough room is available around neck 121 of bottle 120 to add ice into container 102, i.e., ice must be added into container 102 before bottle 120 is inserted. Indicator 103 lets the user know how much ice should be added before bottle 120 is inserted, such that when bottle 120 is inserted, ice in container 102 can properly be distributed around bottle 120. This not only helps ensure that the proper amount of ice is used to substantially surround bottle 120, i.e., for optimum cooling, but also helps to prevent too much ice from being trapped inside lower section 116, which can otherwise prevent bottle 120 from being inserted all the way down onto supports 122, 124, 126. Of course, other embodiments, such as containers having necks 114 that are not narrowed, are within the scope of the invention, wherein in such case, bottle 120 can be inserted first, and then ice added later, wherein no indicator 103 would be necessary.

The design of supports 122, 124, 126 is preferably coordinated with the design of cap 130 and sealing member 134, to enable the fit between sealing member 134 and bottle 120, and between cap 130 and container 102, to be substantially watertight, so that the ice and water within spaces 111 and 113 can be substantially sealed thereby.

Like previous cap 3, cap 130 preferably has a central opening 132, as shown in FIG. 18, through which neck 121 of bottle 120 can extend. Cap 130 preferably has at least one sealing member 134 secured to and extended on the inside of cap 130, and substantially around opening 132. When cap 130 is placed on container 102, with neck 121 extended through opening 132, as shown in FIG. 17, sealing member 134 is preferably adapted to press and seal against the shoulder of bottle 120.

Cap 130 is preferably adapted with threads 136 extending around the internal surface thereof, as shown in FIG. 18. These threads 136 are designed to engage threads 108 on container 102 to enable cap 130 and container 102 to be tightened and fastened together. Grips 131 can also be provided on cap 130.

To enhance the seal between cap 130 and container 102, a separate sealing gasket 138 can be provided to seal cap 130 against a top landing 140 of container 102. In the preferred embodiment, both sealing member 134 and gasket 138 are preferably formed and molded at the same time, as part of the same resilient member 135, shown in FIG. 20. FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of resilient member 135, which includes both sealing member 134 and gasket 138, formed as a single integral piece. FIG. 18 shows how resilient member 135, including sealing member 134 and gasket 138, is secured to the underside of cap 130.

Preferably, both sealing member 134 and gasket 138 can be formed in a single production step, using an over-mold, insert mold, or two-shot method, etc., which bonds resilient member 135 directly onto the inside of cap 130. The material used to make resilient member 135 is preferably a rubber-like material that is compatible with the material from which cap 130 is made, to allow the two surfaces to be bonded or fused together. For example, if cap 130 is made from polypropylene, resilient member 135 is preferably made from a polypropylene-containing material, such as Santoprene®, so that after cap 130 is formed, resilient material can be injected (using a mold) directly against the inside of cap 130, wherein heat from the resilient material can cause the polypropylene in resilient member 135 to bond directly to the polypropylene of cap 130, thereby forming resilient member 135 directly on cap 130. This bonding between resilient member 135 and cap 130 is typically as strong as or stronger than the resilient material itself, and therefore, is substantially permanent. Other compatible materials, such as those discussed above, are also contemplated.

As shown in FIG. 20, multiple spoke-like members 142 are preferably extended between sealing member 134 and gasket 138, wherein the spoke-like members 142 not only connect sealing member 134 to gasket 138, but also form the remains of channels formed on the molds that enabled the resilient material to flow from sealing member 134 to gasket 138, or vice verse, during production. That is, from a production standpoint, it is desirable to form both sealing member 134 and gasket 138 in the same production step. Therefore, in the preferred method, the molds are preferably adapted to allow the resilient material to flow from a first cavity, which forms sealing member 134, through the channels, which forms spoke-like members 142, to a second cavity, which forms gasket 138, although it could also flow in the reverse direction. Four spoke-like members 142 are shown, to enable the resilient material to flow properly, although any number of spoke-like members 142 can be provided. Spoke-like members 142 are bonded or fused directly to cap 130, but are otherwise non-functional.

Preferably, resilient member 135, including sealing member 134 and gasket 138, is made of relatively low friction material, such that both sealing surfaces can slide relatively easily in relation to both shoulder of bottle 120 and upper landing 140 of container 102, respectively, to allow cap 130 to be easily tightened and removed. The resilient material used to make resilient member 135 also preferably has relatively high flow characteristics, to allow the material to flow into rib formations, if any, that exist on the sealing surfaces, which need to be filled properly during production.

FIG. 19 shows an underside perspective cross-section view of cap 130 before resilient member 135 has been molded thereto. It shows two series of projections 144, 146 extending in a ring-like fashion along the inside of cap 130 corresponding to the locations where sealing member 134 and gasket 138, respectively, are formed. These projections 144, 146 preferably provide extra surface area contact between cap 130 and resilient member 135 for improved bonding. Preferably, notches 148 are placed on projections 144 and 146 to further increase surface area contact, as well as help increase torque resistance between cap 130 and resilient member 135. Projections 144, 146 preferably allow sealing member 134 and gasket 138 to be pinched against the opposing sealing surfaces, as cap 130 is tightened onto container 102, which helps to ensure that a substantially tight seal is provided by causing sealing member 134 and gasket 138 to be pressed tightly against their respective sealing surfaces. FIG. 18 shows the details of cap 130 and how sealing member 134 and gasket 138 are formed on the underside of cap 130, with projections 144, 146 extending into sealing member 134 and gasket 138, respectively.

FIG. 18 shows one preferred cross-sectional shape of sealing member 134, with multiple ribs or blades 137 that can be extended down and inward, such as into opening 132, to engage the shoulder of bottle 120. This configuration preferably enables sealing member 134 to have resilient properties, i.e., by virtue of its configuration, and not solely by virtue of material characteristics, wherein the stiffness or firmness of the resilient material can be increased, if necessary, to reduce friction, without sacrificing its resilient properties.

The configuration of sealing member 134, and its location relative to bottle 120, is significant in ensuring that a watertight seal can be achieved. FIG. 18, in this respect, shows two possible PET bottle shoulder configurations, which are superimposed over each other, one represented by straight dashed lines 150, and the other represented by curved dashed lines 152. In this example, the two PET bottles 150, 152 are assumed to have similar bottom ends, so that both bottles can be supported in substantially the same fixed location inside container 102. With either bottle fixed, it can be seen that the shoulder of each bottle is different, i.e., one has a straight steep shoulder 150, while the other has a shallow curved shoulder 152.

An effort has been made to design a single cooler 100 to fit both PET bottles 150, 152, even if they are different. To do this, the “seal point,” which is the location where sealing member 134 presses against bottle 120, is pre-determined so that sealing member 134 can be sealed against both bottles, 150 and 152. It can be seen that the seal point is located at or close to where the two sets of dashed lines intersect. This way, a single sealing member 134 can be adapted to ensure that a watertight seal can be achieved, despite different bottles being used.

During the design phase, the intersection of the two sets of dashed lines can be determined by using three dimensional models of the bottles, such as using digital scanning, and superimposing them to determine the intersection. It can be seen that if sealing member 134 is located too high or too low, or in the wrong location, sealing member 134 would have difficulty sealing against both bottles. By configuring and locating sealing member 134 substantially where dashed lines 150, 152 intersect, sealing member 134 preferably seals against either bottle 150 or 152.

FIG. 18 shows a cross-section of lower sealing gasket 138, which preferably has multiple ribs 154 thereon. Although ribs are not necessary, ribs 154 help to provide more resilience and tolerance, i.e., they allow for more “squish room,” by virtue of their configuration. Again, this is advantageous so that stiffer or firmer materials, which have lower friction properties, can be used to make resilient member 135, i.e., without sacrificing the beneficial characteristics of a resilient, more forgiving, sealing surface.

Sealing gasket 138 is preferably formed with a stepped portion 156, located on cap 130, which forms the outer diameter of sealing gasket 138. This helps enable sealing gasket 138 to be formed by injection molding, directly onto the inside of cap 130, without interference from threads 136.

The location of sealing member 134 and gasket 138, as well as the height and configuration of their sealing surfaces, including ribs 137, 154, etc., are preferably designed and coordinated in association with the particular bottle or bottles that have been selected to fit the cooler, i.e., to achieve a watertight seal. A goal of the present invention is to coordinate the design of supports 122, 124, 126, along with cap 130, sealing member 134 and sealing gasket 138, so that the sealing surfaces engage and seal against their respective surfaces, i.e., sealing member 134 seals against bottle 120, and gasket 138 seals against landing 140 of container 102, at the same time, with bottle 120 in the same fixed location.

In use, regular ice, such as chopped, cubed, crushed, etc., is preferably placed inside container 5, 55 or 102. Indicator 51 or 103 is preferably provided to indicate how much ice should be placed therein. Next, bottle 13 or 120 is pushed down into the ice, which causes some of the ice to be displaced, as shown in FIG. 9, and climb up the sides of the bottle. The sloped section 52 or 109, above lower section 2, 63 or 116, preferably causes ice to be displaced and distributed upward as bottle 13 or 120 is pushed downward. Water can be added to container 5, 55 or 102, or container 5, 55 or 102 can be held sideways, to make it easier for the ice to be displaced and distributed around bottle 13 or 120, while inserting the bottle, without trapping too much ice under bottle 13 or 120.

Next, bottle 13 or 120 is preferably inserted until it is properly seated and rests on supports 4, 6, or 57, 59, or 122, 124, 126. Cap 3 or 130 can then be placed over bottle 13 or 120, with neck 21 or 121 extended through opening 19 or 132, and then tightened onto container 5, 55 or 102, which causes sealing member 25 or 134 to be pressed and sealed against the shoulder of bottle 13 or 120, while at the same time, the connection between cap 3 or 130 and container 5, 55 or 102 can also be sealed. Ice and/or water within spaces 15, 17, or 60, or 111, 113, can be stored and sealed, substantially surrounding bottle 13 or 120, to help keep the beverage cool. This prevents water from leaking out, and enables the beverage to be poured and consumed directly from bottle 13 or 120, without having to remove bottle 13 or 120 from the ice.

Each main piece, including caps 3, 130, and containers 5, 55, 102, is preferably made from a moldable plastic, such as polyethylene, HDPE, polypropylene, PET, etc., although any conventional material, such as stainless steel, glass, ceramic, etc., can also be used. Sealing member 134 and gasket 138 can be made of a resilient rubber-like material, such as TPE, silicon, polypropylene, polyethylene, urethane, etc., but is preferably made of a material that is found in cap 130, so that the two can be bonded together, as discussed. While for insulation purposes, containers 5, 55, 102 can be made of materials that conduct heat poorly, or with double wall construction, they can simply be made of a relatively thick plastic. The thickness preferably provides rigidity and a sufficient level of insulating properties thereto. Caps 3 and 130 can be injection molded, although containers 55 and 102 are preferably blow-molded. Blow-molding not only allows supports 57, 59, and supports 122, 124, 126, to be indented, but necks 37 and 114 to be narrow relative to an intermediate section thereof. Container 5 can be made by any suitable method.

Other steps preferably involved in making caps 3, 130 and containers 5, 55 and 102 are measuring and/or scanning the bottle to obtain precise dimensions. This enables the coolers to be adapted to a particular bottle, so that the bottle can be held in a substantially fixed location. The present invention also contemplates that bottles can be custom made to fit the container, i.e., with surfaces that engage the sealing member and supports, if desired. Textures, grips and/or indentations can also be provided on the pieces for improved grip. The containers can have a side handle, as shown, although a strap or other type of handle, or indented grips, can also be used. One or both pieces can be made of transparent or translucent materials so that the contents can be seen from outside.

In one aspect of the present invention, the present cooling device can be made to accommodate a certain type of beverage bottle, whereas, other beverage bottles having different sizes and shapes can specifically be excluded. On the other hand, the present invention contemplates that a single cooler can be adapted to fit different bottles, by determining the intersection of their shoulder profiles, and adjusting the location and configuration of the sealing member, relative to the supports, to accommodate the different sizes and shapes of the bottles.

The above discussion illustrates some of the embodiments and features of the present invention. Each embodiment has been shown with certain features or lack of features. Nevertheless, it should be understood that any embodiment shown could also have a feature or lack a feature shown in another embodiment, i.e., the features are intended to be interchangeable between embodiments. It should also be understood that other embodiments and features, such as those not specifically disclosed herein, which may perform in the intended manner, are also within the scope of the present invention. 

1. A cooling device for holding a beverage receptacle of a predetermined size and shape, comprising: a container adapted to enable the beverage receptacle to be inserted and supported in a predetermined location inside said container, wherein a wall of said container is adapted such that when the beverage receptacle is placed in the predetermined location, a space for storing ice particles is formed between the beverage receptacle and said container; a cap adapted to be substantially sealed onto said container, wherein said cap has an opening through which a neck of the beverage receptacle can be extended; a sealing portion on said cap adapted to be pressed against a shoulder portion of the beverage receptacle when the beverage receptacle is in the predetermined location; at least one support extended inward as an indentation on said wall of said container adapted to support the beverage receptacle in the predetermined location, wherein said wall and said at least one support are integrally formed and have substantially uniform wall thickness; and wherein said device is adapted such that when the beverage receptacle is in the predetermined location, and the cap is sealed on said container, the ice particles are stored and substantially sealed in direct contact with the beverage receptacle.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one support comprises at least two support members adapted to engage and support the beverage receptacle, wherein at least one of the support members is adapted to fit substantially within a groove or indentation located on a lower end of the beverage receptacle.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein said at least one support comprises three support members, wherein two of said support members is adapted to fit substantially within two grooves or indentations located on the beverage receptacle, and a third of said support members is adapted to support an additional surface of the beverage receptacle.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein said two of said support members are adapted to be substantially symmetrical relative to a parting line of said container, and said third of said support member extends through said parting line.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein each of said two of said support members has, in plan view, a substantially triangular configuration, and said third of said support members has a shelf-like configuration.
 6. The device of claim 3, wherein a handle is provided on said container that extends substantially above said third of said support members.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of said at least one support is adapted with a surface that helps to self-center the beverage receptacle as the beverage receptacle is inserted into said container.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the container is adapted such that when the beverage receptacle is in the predetermined location, a lower end of the beverage receptacle is positioned a predetermined distance from a sloped surface of said container, wherein the predetermined distance is sufficient to enable the ice particles in said container to be substantially distributed between the beverage receptacle and said sloped surface.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein said sealing portion comprises at least one feature taken from the group consisting of: 1) a sealing member that extends relatively downward and inward to engage and press against the shoulder portion of the beverage receptacle; 2) at least one ribbed or blade-like surface that can be pressed against the beverage receptacle; 3) a thickness sufficient to form a water-tight seal despite uneven surfaces and/or inexact dimensions of the beverage receptacle; 4) an inner lipped flange adapted to be extended through said cap's opening to enable said sealing portion to be snapped into said cap; 5) at least one groove into which a projection on said cap can be positioned; 6) a sealing member that is bonded directly to said cap by over-molding, 2 shot, or insert molding; 7) a sealing member that is bonded, fused, welded, molded or otherwise adhered to said cap; and 8) a sealing member adapted to be pressed and sealed against the shoulder of more than one type of beverage receptacle having a different size and/or shape.
 10. A container for holding a beverage receptacle of a predetermined size and shape, comprising: an upper portion having an opening therein for enabling the beverage receptacle to be inserted at least partially into said container; an intermediate portion adapted such that when the beverage receptacle is placed in a predetermined location inside said container, a predetermined space is formed between a wall of said container and the beverage receptacle, wherein the space is sufficient in size for storing ice particles in direct contact with the beverage receptacle; a lower portion that is narrower than said intermediate portion, wherein said lower portion is adapted to fit in conventional cup-holders; and a section on said intermediate portion and/or lower portion comprising at least one support extended inward on said container for engaging and supporting the beverage receptacle in the predetermined location.
 11. The container of claim 10, wherein said upper portion is smaller in diameter or dimension than said intermediate portion, and wherein said lower portion comprises an internal space for storing additional ice particles in said container.
 12. The container of claim 10, wherein said at least one support comprises a plurality of support members formed as indentations on said wall of said container, wherein at least one of said plurality of support members is adapted to fit substantially within a groove or indentation located on the beverage receptacle.
 13. The container of claim 12, wherein a handle is provided on said container, and at least one of the support members extends below said handle.
 14. The container of claim 12, wherein at least one of said support members is adapted with a surface that helps to self-center the beverage receptacle as the beverage receptacle is inserted into said container.
 15. The container of claim 12, wherein the container is adapted with a sloped surface located on or substantially between said intermediate and lower portions, wherein said sloped surface is adapted such that when the beverage receptacle is in the predetermined location, the beverage receptacle is positioned a predetermined distance from said sloped surface, such that ice particles can be distributed between the beverage receptacle and said sloped surface.
 16. The container of claim 10, further comprising a removable cap having an opening through which a neck of the beverage receptacle can be extended, wherein said cap has a sealing portion adapted to be pressed against a shoulder portion of the beverage receptacle.
 17. The container of claim 16, wherein said sealing portion comprises at least one feature taken from the group consisting of: 1) a sealing member that extends relatively downward and inward to engage and press against the shoulder portion of the beverage receptacle; 2) at least one ribbed or blade-like surface that can be pressed against the beverage receptacle; 3) a thickness sufficient to form a water-tight seal despite uneven surfaces and/or inexact dimensions of the beverage receptacle; 4) an inner lipped flange adapted to be extended through said cap's opening to enable said sealing portion to be snapped into said cap; 5) at least one groove into which a projection on said cap can be positioned; 6) a sealing member that has been bonded directly to said cap by over-molding, 2 shot, or insert molding; 7) a sealing member that is bonded, fused, welded, molded or otherwise adhered to said cap; and 8) a sealing member adapted to be pressed and sealed against the shoulder of more than one type of beverage receptacle having different sizes and/or shapes.
 18. A method of making a cooling device for holding a beverage bottle of a predetermined size and shape, comprising: molding a threaded open-top container that enables the bottle to be positioned in a predetermined location within said container, wherein a space suitable for storing ice particles in direct contact with the bottle is created between said container and the bottle when the bottle is in the predetermined location; molding a threaded cap with an opening through which a neck of the bottle can be extended; forming a sealing portion on said cap, said sealing portion being adapted to be pressed and substantially sealed against a shoulder portion of the bottle when the bottle is in the predetermined location; and molding at least one support on the inside of said container as an indentation on a wall of said container, wherein said at least one support is adapted to engage and support a lower portion of the bottle, such that when the bottle is in the predetermined location, and said cap is substantially sealed onto said container, said sealing portion helps substantially seal the space.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of molding said at least one support comprises at least one step taken from the group consisting of: 1) forming at least three support members extending inward as indentations on said wall of said container to self-center and provide support for the bottle; 2) forming a plurality of support members extending inward as indentations on said wall, wherein at least one of said support members is adapted to fit within a groove or indentation located on a lower end of the bottle; 3) forming said at least one support with surfaces that help to self-center the bottle as the bottle is inserted into said container; 4) forming a plurality of support members extending inward as indentations on said wall, wherein at least two of said support members extend substantially symmetrically in relation to a parting line of said container; 5) forming at least two support members which have, in plan view, a substantially triangular configuration; 6) forming at least one support member having a shelf-like configuration; and 7) forming a handle on said container that extends substantially above at least one of said at least one support.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of forming said sealing portion comprises at least one step taken from the group consisting of: 1) forming a resilient sealing member adapted to engage and press against the shoulder portion of the bottle; 2) forming at least one ribbed or blade-like surface that can be pressed against the bottle; 3) forming a thickness sufficient to form a water-tight seal despite uneven surfaces and/or inexact dimensions of the bottle; 4) forming at least one projection on said cap and molding said sealing portion onto said at least one projection; 5) forming a sealing member that is bonded or fused directly to said cap by over-molding, 2 shot, or insert molding method; 6) forming a sealing member adapted to be pressed and sealed against the shoulder of more than one type of bottle having different sizes and/or shapes; and 7) determining the intersection of the shoulder lines of more than one type of bottle and forming a sealing member that can be pressed and sealed against said more than one type of bottle. 